When a family is in the midst of a challenge that heightens tensions and emotions, it can be helpful for them to remember the saying, “There’s no such thing as a ‘normal’ family.” Every family has its own unique dynamics, and for that reason, a one-size-fits-all solution is rarely the most effective approach. Feinberg Consulting is a company that was created to help families through their most challenging moments: chiefly catastrophic injuries related to serious car accidents, elder care, and...

There are many reasons families don’t immediately take action when a loved one is exhibiting signs of addiction. A lack of education about what addiction is (and isn’t) is a contributing factor. And so are feelings of shame. In our society, there’s an undeniable stigma around addiction. We still cling to the false belief that addiction is a character flaw or a lack of willpower. It’s not, and the science is clear on this. As Harvard Health writes: “Today we...

Alcoholism is widely misunderstood because it functions differently than most diseases. People with Type-2 Diabetes, for example, are asked at a minimum to remove problematic foods from their diets. When they do this, they get better. The cure for alcoholism isn’t as simple as “stopping the drinking.” With real alcoholism, removing alcohol from a person’s life can actually make the symptoms worse. There’s another complicating factor with alcoholism, and it’s that it doesn’t come with the same stigma as drug...

Years ago, my sponsor gave me some incredibly valuable advice. At the time, I was waiting tables at an exclusive restaurant in South Florida. I was regularly interacting with people who were fabulously wealthy, and I used to joke that every shift I would meet at least one person whose watch was worth more than my car. I wondered what they had done to get where they were. It wasn’t so much their wealth I was drawn to. Would it...

When our office receives a call about someone struggling with addiction or substance abuse, it is most often from a concerned family member. Their loved one’s addiction has gotten to the point where it is not only affecting his or her wellbeing, but also the wellbeing of the family system. It’s only recently that we’ve began to understand and treat addiction for what it is: a family problem. In previous generations, addiction was not openly discussed or addressed in families....

Let’s be honest: the holidays can be a stressful time. Gathering together all the pieces of a festive celebration requires a lot of work. Yet, for individuals in various stages of recovery, the holidays aren’t just a stressful time—they can be hazardous to recovery. We've compiled some tips for staying sober and getting the support you or a loved one may need during the holiday season. Plan your support system The holidays are an excellent opportunity to reach out to...

For someone in recovery from addiction or substance abuse, holidays can be the most challenging days of the year. We're sharing some ideas on how you can enjoy the spookiest night of the year in a healthy way that is supportive of your recovery.

When I was newly sober, my thinking was dominated by thoughts such as, “I can’t drink” and “I can’t get high.” It felt like I had an itch that only drugs or alcohol could scratch. As a Recovery Coach for Feinberg Consulting, I work with people nearly every day who are facing the same struggle I did. I tell them that what they’re feeling is normal. It makes sense for them to focus on “what not to do” in the...

Would you know what signs to watch for if someone close to you had alcohol poisoning? Alcohol poisoning (or alcohol overdose) occurs when someone consumes a lethal level of alcohol, typically after binge drinking. One of the biggest myths about alcohol poisoning is that it only affects college students and underage drinkers. Although these groups are more likely to consume larger quantities of alcohol in a shorter amount of time, death by alcohol poisoning is most common in middle-aged adults...

Drug abuse and alcohol addiction is not a topic to be taken lightly. If you suspect that your loved-one or coworker is abusing substances, watch out for these 10 signs or symptoms that may clue you in. Early treatment is key to a successful recovery. Feinberg Consulting offers intervention services to help your loved one through this difficult time. 10 Signs and Symptoms of Drug Abuse and Alcohol Addiction You’ve noticed in a family member or friend: 1: Neglecting responsibilities at...